Uranium 2009: Resources, Production and Demand

Since the mid-1960s, with the co-operation of their member countries and states, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have jointly prepared periodic updates (currently every two years) on world uranium resources, production and demand. These updates have been published by the OECD/NEA in what is commonly known as the “Red Book”. This 23rd edition of the Red Book replaces the 2007 edition and reflects information current as of 1st January 2009.

The Red Book features a comprehensive assessment of current uranium supply and demand and projections to the year 2035. The basis of this assessment is a comparison of uranium resource estimates (according to categories of geological certainty and production cost) and mine production capability with anticipated uranium requirements arising from projections of installed nuclear capacity. In cases where longer-term projections of installed nuclear capacity were not provided by national authorities, projected demand figures were developed with input from expert authorities. Current data on resources, exploration, production and uranium stocks are also presented, along with historical summaries of exploration and production, and plans for future mine production. In addition, individual country reports provide detailed information on recent developments in uranium exploration and production, updates on environmental activities and information on relevant national uranium and nuclear energy policies.